I am writing under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to request the following information regarding Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the local authority area. HMOs refers to properties meeting the definition at, https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gov.uk%2Fprivate-renting%2Fhouses-in-multiple-occupation&data=05%7C02%7Cinformationrequests%40wokingham.gov.uk%7C65b0dfc1fd3c42ac16e508de0fdcb77c%7C996ee15c0b3e4a6f8e65120a9a51821a%7C0%7C0%7C638965637808381917%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C60000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Rm48oXyR%2FirDj7%2FjaV02uUhIVXd5U48Asf1bKCkmDDk%3D&reserved=0.

Please provide the information in a spreadsheet or table format where possible.

1. Please provide the total number of licensed HMOs in the local authority as of 31st October 2025. If available, please include a breakdown by postcode area or ward.

2. Please provide the total number of planning applications submitted between 1st January 2020 to present for change of use to C4 (small HMO) and Sui Generis (large HMO).

3. If possible please include application reference number and applicant type (e.g., individual, company, names not required).

4. Of the licensed HMOs identified in question 1:
How many are currently used to house asylum seekers or refugees?
How many are managed directly by the council or by a third party (e.g., Home Office contractors such as Serco or Mears).
No personal data on individuals is requested, in line with data protection regulations. This information is sought for public interest research on housing provision.

5. For the next 24 months, how many additional HMOs/properties for asylum/refugee dispersal, are planned or expected? Include any contract summaries or forecasts shared with Home Office providers. Aggregate numbers acceptable for data protection reasons.

6. Please provide risk assessments, equality impact assessments, or public consultation records (last 2 years) on HMO asylum use, including how objections are addressed. Aggregate numbers acceptable for data protection reasons.